Aiming at bivalent VLP vaccine for HFMD

The VLP-based vaccine is intended to protect against 95 percent of viruses causing HFMD in comparison to EV71 vaccines that give protection against only 65-75 percent of viruses. Targeting the two major viruses, EV71 and Coxsackie virus A16, that cause HFMD in the Asia Pacific region, Dr Cardosa has taken approach of bivalent formulation that will facilitate protection against both the viruses.

"Up to 35 percent of the HFMD cases during outbreaks are caused by CVA16, whereas, all competing vaccines are monovalent EV71 vaccines. This gives an advantageous platform to bivalent vaccine as an EV71 monovalent vaccine will not protect against HFMD caused by CVA16 and virological diagnosis will be required in efficacy trials. Bivalent HFMD vaccine will facilitate efficacy trials with protection against HFMD as the clinical endpoint," says Dr Cardosa.

Confident investors

Based in Malaysia, Dr Cardosa and her team has garnered support of internationally acclaimed scientific advisers, and has developed strong collaborations in the US, Europe and Australia. The start-up company is conducting research and development activities, as well as manufacturing and is taking the vaccine through regulatory process with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).